It has been a wild season for Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo.
Antetokounmpo was at the center of trade rumors this season due to Milwaukee’s struggles and has played only 36 of 71 games. The Bucks, now 29-42 and eight games out of the play-in with 11 games left, have battled injuries. A recent knee issue raised talk of shutting Antetokounmpo down for the remainder of the season.
Debate continues over his return, making his season status a key storyline.
Giannis Antetokounmpo Expected to Miss Wednesday’s Game Against Trail Blazers
He has not played since the March 15 win over Indiana, leaving after landing awkwardly on a dunk. Although he briefly stayed in, an MRI showed a hyperextended left knee and bone bruise but no structural damage.
The Bucks have considered shutting Antetokounmpo down for the season.
According to Eric Nehm of The Athletic, that is not something Antetokounmpo is interested in.
“The Bucks, per league sources, have made it clear to their franchise centerpiece that it would be in their shared interest for him to sit out with the team currently 6 1/2 games behind the Charlotte Hornets for the final Play-In Tournament spot,” wrote Nehm last week. “While injuries have forced Antetokounmpo to miss 32 games already this season, league sources tell The Athletic the 10-time All-Star forward has informed the team he has no desire to cut his season short.”
The NBA Players Union also offered up their opinion, releasing a statement.
“The Player Participation Policy was designed by the league to hold teams accountable and ensure that when an All-Star like Giannis Antetokounmpo is healthy and ready to play, he is on the court.
“Unfortunately, anti-tanking policies are only as effective as their enforcement; fans, broadcast partners, and the integrity of the game itself will continue to suffer as long as ownership goes unchecked. We look forward to collaborating with the NBA on meaningful new proposals that will directly address and discourage tanking.”
So, just when will Antetokounmpo return?
Antetokounmpo will not be suiting up when the Bucks take on the Blazers Wednesday night.
Here is the Bucks injury report for Monday vs. Portland:
Out:
Alex Antetokounmpo (G League – Two-Way)
Giannis Antetokounmpo (left adductor strain)
Kevin Porter Jr. (right knee meniscus surgery)
Taurean Prince (neck surgery)
— Eric Nehm (@eric_nehm) November 23, 2025
Antetokounmpo wants to compete, but with a lingering injury and Milwaukee nearly eliminated, it’s easy to see the team’s reasoning.
With the NBA crackdown on tanking, benching a star like Antetokounmpo raises concerns.
In 36 games this season, Antetokounmpo is averaging 27.6 points, 9.8 rebounds and 5.4 assists per game while shooting a blistering 62.4% from the field.
If Antetokounmpo doesn’t return, has he played his last game for the Bucks?
